Gloucester Road Defibrillator Back in Place at The Key Café

Back in July 2021, Defibs4Bristol supported the installation of a public access defibrillator outside HMP Bristol on Gloucester Road, thanks to donations from local businesses and residents at the top end of the high street.

It was one of our earlier projects, and became the first post we shared when the Defibs4Bristol website went live.

Since then, the building has gone through a major transformation and is now operating as The Key Café.

A new chapter for the site

The former prison building has since been redeveloped into the Key Café, a not-for-profit initiative that supports people transitioning out of prison into employment.

The project focuses on helping break the cycle of reoffending by providing work opportunities, practical skills, and a pathway into longer-term employment. Food served at the café is produced in part within the prison, and the space offers a stepping stone for those building confidence and experience after release.

The initiative is run in partnership with organisations working in rehabilitation and community integration, and reflects a wider effort to support positive outcomes for individuals leaving the prison system.

You can find out more about the project here: www.thekeybristol.com

During the redevelopment

As part of the building works, the defibrillator cabinet had to be removed and the unit was taken offline for several months.

During this time:

• The cabinet was safely stored by the builder to avoid damage

• The defibrillator itself was looked after by the site guardian

• The situation was monitored throughout

Simon also stayed in touch throughout to help ensure a smooth process and to support where needed - part of the ongoing work involved in keeping the network active.

Back in place and improved

The defibrillator has since been reinstalled at the site following the redevelopment.

• The cabinet has been repositioned slightly due to the new layout

• The location details have been updated on The Circuit

• The installation is now securely wired in with a dedicated power supply

Overall, the new setup is a clear improvement and much more robust than before.

A strong addition to Gloucester Road

Simon has been into the Key Café a number of times and has seen the changes first-hand.

The space itself looks excellent. The redevelopment, along with the new awnings, has really improved the frontage, and it has already become a popular local spot.

It’s also now used as a regular meeting point, including for Simon catching up with his former paramedic mentor over coffee!

Why this matters

This wasn’t just a simple removal and replacement. It reflects the ongoing work involved in keeping a defibrillator network effective:

• Making sure equipment is protected during building works

• Keeping track of units that go offline

• Coordinating reinstalls

• Updating public records

• Ensuring installations are safe, visible, and accessible

Defibs4Bristol is not just about installing defibrillators. It’s about making sure they remain live and ready when they’re needed.

From then to now

From its original installation outside HMP Bristol in 2021, to its current position outside the Key Café, this defibrillator continues to serve the Gloucester Road community.

It now sits alongside a project focused on second chances and positive outcomes - a fitting place for something designed to save lives.